Top Android apps for commuters

MOBILE OPERATING SYSTEM Android has a huge selection of public transport apps available, but as is ever the case with Android, it's a mixed bag. We've compiled a list of the best free apps for planes, trains and automobiles that should send you nicely on your way.

This app was developed with the help of cabbies, and it shows. In the most simple process possible for hailing a cab, you simply find yourself on a map with the help of GPS, ask for a taxi and one will show up within a few minutes.

Once ordered, you see a picture of your driver - yes, really - and you can watch their progress as they get nearer. The novelty of looking down at your phone, seeing your taxi is about to come into view, looking up and seeing it pull up is quite something. Choose your tip, pay by card and rate your driver, it's as easy as that.

Hailo takes a small slice of the journey cost from the cabbie, but from speaking to one of the drivers, the app really does help them out. Ours said that it often gave him fares he would otherwise have never found. Also, other drivers using Hailo can post alerts about traffic or places where there are a lot of fares but no cabs to take them. Everyone wins!

National Rail gets a lot of stick from its customers, with fare rises seemingly inevitable every year. Its Android app, however, is invaluable. Live train times, platform numbers and travel alerts make this app a must have for every UK rail user.

You can also plan very specific journeys including ones going via particular stations and avoiding others, making this a powerful app when on the move. The app crashes on occasion and can be slightly sluggish at times, but its benefits easily outweigh its faults.